Parkdale has a reputation as the "gem" of our community. We are characterized by our caring, inclusive and welcoming learning environment. Our programming is continually evolving to meet the needs and interests of our students in our changing community; our diversity is our strength and we proudly welcome all students. Our programs include an enhanced Pre-Baccalaureate program to prepare students for our International Baccalaureate Programme, and a Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) in Horticulture and Landscaping. We are a dynamic learning community, located with easy access to the TTC, where everyone has opportunities to get to know one another.
Pre-Baccalaureate Programme
Students wishing to take IB enter into a two-year PreBaccalaureate pathway in grades 9 and 10. Students take enriched courses in most subject areas, which cover more material at an accelerated pace. This will speed up the transition to high school and prepare students for the challenges, learning style, assessments, and evaluations of the IB Diploma Programme. Teachers collaborate regularly to develop specific tasks geared towards IB aims and objectives. Program Advantages: 16 credits, including two grade 11 courses by the end of grade 10; exposure to online learning environments; accelerated learning with a highly motivated peer group.
Interesting Feature
IB Diploma Programme
Earn an internationally recognized and standardized diploma in a rigorous well-rounded academic program. Students develop critical thinking and research skills in subjects across six disciplines. Students will learn about the philosophy of learning, participate in activities with a focus on creativity, action and service and complete a research essay on a topic of their choice. Program Advantages include: Two Diplomas - OSSD and IB; 33 credits, including eleven 4U/M courses; transfer credits for university; higher acceptance rates in university.
More Information about Parkdale Collegiate Institute
Information Communication Technology (ICT)
Parkdale stays active in the piloting and research of technologies for education. Mobile computing labs, iPads, SMART boards, LightRaise projectors and Google Apps for Education are used to differentiate instruction for rich, engaging lessons and activities. A variety of CMS - Classroom Management Systems are used to support the flipped classroom model of instruction.
Literacy
All students participate in DEAR - Drop Everything and Read - our twenty minutes of uninterrupted daily reading program. In preparation for the OSSLT, grade 10 students will participate in the DEAP program - Drop Everything and Prepare and all Grade 9 students write a formal, practice test simulating the official OSSLT.
Horticulture/Landscaping
Our Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) program has a focus on Green Industries supported by Business, Science and Cooperative Education courses. The program is housed in our 1,000 sq.ft. greenhouse. Students can compete in the Ontario Technical Skills Competition, and our students have been the champions for the past three years.
Tutoring & Mentorship Programs
Besides working closely with Caring Adult figures to ensure success in school, students are also afforded the opportunity to work with tutors from the University of Toronto in many subjects. Partnerships with local community centres, notably the Saturday Program at the Parkdale Public Library, offer students the chance to be engaged and involved in their community.
Additional Features
- Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP)
- Dual Credits and SWAC at College
- DECA, Power, GSA, Key Club and more
- ASD & LD Special Education Programs
- Mobile Computer Labs
- Library - Digital Information Hub
- State of the Art Greenhouse
- Full ESL Program
Student Life - Where You Belong
Our students learn to cooperate and respect one another through participation in extra curricular activities. The Student Council advocates for student-led activities and students voice is included in school processes. There are an incredible number of clubs reflecting diverse student interest. Volunteer opportunities include local senior citizens' homes, hospitals, and the Daily Bread Food Bank. Our Key Club, ECO Club, Power and GSA clubs are involved in activities to raise social consciousness. Students can participate in drama club, and work on the stage crew for assemblies and drama productions. Our Art, Drama and Music programs integrate their talents to produce the annual Arts Night and various school events. Students can choose from a large selection of sports teams including soccer, basketball, baseball, softball, hockey, tennis, badminton, ultimate frisbee, volleyball, track and field and cross-country teams. Parkdale has won numerous championships over its 128 year history and many students have qualified for OFFSA. Students can train and get fit in our fitness course and the Calisthenics Room which is open everyday at lunch time.
What Sets Us Apart
We offer a variety of program options at Parkdale CI in addition to our robust regular program. We are an International Baccalaureate World School, and a significant number of our students are pursuing pre-baccalaureate programming in grades 9 and 10, and the internationally standardized and recognized IB Diploma program in grades 11 and 12. Additionally, we offer a Specialist High-Skills Major (SHSM) program in Green Industries, leading to post-secondary options in university, college and apprenticeship pathways; our SHSM students have been TDSB Regional Technological Skills Champions for the past three years. Our Special Education programs in ASD and Learning Disabilities focus on Integration and support. In all of our regular and Specialized programs, we offer a comprehensive variety of courses and pathways, and all are characterized by high expectations for students, integration of digital fluency and community partnership and involvement. Our partnerships in the academic and co-curricular programs connect our students to the community and prepare them for their futures.
Parent and Community Engagement
All members of the learning community contribute to build an inclusive culture that is safe and respectful. This creates a welcoming and purposeful learning environment in which everyone is engaged and demonstrates personal and social responsibility. Incoming Grade 9 students have the opportunity to participate in Moving On Up in August and Leadership Camp in September to get to know their teachers, classmates and senior students. Our Safe and Caring Schools Committee meets to address safety concerns brought forward by staff, students and parents. Safety seminars are presented to students so that they are aware of the expectations in the Code of Conduct. To support newcomer students and their families, the Settlement Worker provides an in-service and orientation for Newcomer parents. In addition Parkdale has an active School Council and Alumni Group.
